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Any doctor will tell you that fruit is an essential part of any healthy diet. When it comes to your skin, fruits contain vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for a clear complexion. For example, tropical fruits contain vitamin C which helps defend skin against damaging free radicals. However, there can also be negative effects to eating fruit. Click through the slideshow to see which fruits leading dermatologists think you should avoid eating if you have skin concerns.
Fruit in general is not bad for your skin. Dr. Jennifer Ahdout, MD, a Board Certified Dermatologist at the The Roxbury Institute told us, "Fruits contain a host of antioxidants which can play an integral role in the skin by reducing oxygen free radicals and inflammation in the skin." Her advice is to have a variety of colors of fruits for its most beneficial effect. In particular, blueberries and goji berries are known to have a high index of antioxidants compared to other fruits.
However, there are some surprising skincare concerns regarding eating fruits. Robin Evans MD, Board Certified Dermatologist and Clinical Instructor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, comments that fruits have essential vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for overall skin healthy. However, she warns, "I would say that the fruit that can be a problem for some people is mangos and sometimes kiwi. Uroschiol chemicals in the rinds of these fruits can cause a dermatitis around the mouth from contact with the skins of the fruit." This is similar to the rash seen with poison ivy.
Celebrity Dermatologist, Dr. Harold Lancer, cations people to be careful of sugary fruits, and vegetables, like beets and carrots. He comments, "You need to pay attention to where a food falls on the glycemic index. Food that rank low on the glycemic index manage insulin production, which will slow down glycation. Your body will burn energy instead of storing it as fat." Watermelon and cantaloupe are high on the index so avoid these fruits. Dr. Lancer suggests sticking to grapefruits, apples and berries.
Be warned: Fruit smoothies contain a sneaky amount of sugar. Be careful when ordering a fruit smoothie. While the natural sugar found in fruit is okay, many smoothies are packed with added sugars. Not only does sugar cause breakouts, but it also sugar also degrades collagen and elastin, the proteins that keeps skin soft, supple, and springy.
